Thai PM Lifts Emergency Decree in Three More Provinces

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday lifted the Emergency Decree in three more provinces, despite them being considered key strongholds of the anti-government movement. The controversial decree will however remain in place on Bangkok and 6 other provinces.

Bangkok, the 16th of August 2010: Government spokesperson Mr. Panitan Wattanayagorn stated that the proposed lifting of the Emergency Decree in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Ubon Ratchathani has been enacted as of Monday morning, however the restrictive order will remain in place on the Thai capital.

The Premier earlier announced that the controversial decree, widely regarded as contravening human rights legislation, will remain in place on Bangkok and 6 other key provinces considered at risk of further political instabilities. The six other provinces still under the decree include, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Samut Prakan.

The special security law bans political gatherings of more than five people and gives authorities the right to detain suspects without charge for a period of 30-days. Initially enacted in 23 provinces nationwide during the violent and destructive end to 10-weeks of anti-government protests in Bangkok, the government has gradually scaled back its usage since the start of June.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban revealed that the lifting of the emergency decree in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Ubon Ratchathani was a priority as the security enforcement was seen to be having a negative impact on the business and tourism industries.

Secretary General of the National Security Council (NSC) Mr. Tawin Pleansri revealed his support in lifting the decree in Chiang Mai, stating that security officials have the situation in the restive province under control, despite recent tensions in the area.

Last week, a bomb was defused near a police box in Chiang Mai’s San Pa Ton district, while a suspicious package was found left at an intersection near Chiang Mai International Airport. The package was later found to be an empty box, believed to have been placed to create further instability in the region.

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